NCJ Number
58524
Date Published
1979
Length
67 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES A COUNTERCORRUPTION STRATEGY THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED BY CITY ADMINISTRATORS TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES AND TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT CONSTITUTES CORRUPTION AND HOW TO AVOID IT.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM SUGGESTED HERE IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING HYPOTHESES: (1) THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CORRUPTION IS INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL TO ITS VISIBILITY; (2) THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CORRUPTION IS LIKELY TO DROP AS MORE OFFICIALS BECOME ACTUALLY OR POTENTIALLY INVOLVED; AND (3) THE OPPORTUNITY FOR AN OFFICIAL TO ENGAGE IN A CORRUPT ACT WILL BE INCREASED BY STRUCTURES THAT INCREASE AUTONOMY, PROVIDE VAGUE DECISION RULES, OR POSE MINIMAL RISKS (LIMITED DETECTION CAPABILITIES OR LIGHT SANCTION POLICIES). THE APPROACH PROPOSED USES MANAGEMENT CONTROL, AUDIT PROCEDURES, TRAINING, AND INVESTIGATION, WITH A MANAGEMENT TEAM TO SEE THAT ALL THESE FUNCTIONS WORK TOGETHER AND WORK PROPERLY. THE COMBINATION IS CALLED AIMS, FOR ACCOUNTABILITY-INTEGRITY-MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. THE PROPOSED SYSTEM CAN BE USED FOR ALL OF THOSE IN THE PUBLIC EMPLOY, BUT IS AIMED PARTICULARLY AT THOSE IN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (WHETHER ELECTED, APPOINTED, OR HIRED, WHETHER THEY WISH TO ADOPT THE PROGRAM FROM THE TOP OF THE ORGANIZATION OR AT MIDLEVEL. THE PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM IS TO ENSURE ACCOUNTABILITY (RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONDUCT AND OBLIGATIONS) AND INTEGRITY (TRUSTWORTHINESS AND PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY). THE ETHICAL BASIS FOR THE HANDBOOK IS PRESENTED, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL AN AIMS SYSTEM AND HOW TO ESTABLISH MANAGEMENT CONTROL, AN AUDIT CONTROL, TRAINING, AND AN INVESTIGATIVE ARM. POTENTIAL OBSTACLES ARE IDENTIFIED AND SUGGESTIONS ARE GIVEN ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM. AN APPENDIX PROVIDES A CHART OF THE RANGE OF CONCERNS ENCOMPASSED BY 'ETHICS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE.' REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED.